Northern Ireland centre-back Jonny Evans has revealed that he played through the pain barrier in his country's World Cup qualifier against Russia.

Michael O'Neill's men fell to a 2-0 defeat on Friday, a game in which the Manchester United defender made his return from an ankle injury.

The 24-year-old had surgery on the problem in the summer break and has yet to feature for the Red Devils this season.

"I've only played one reserve game this season after having the surgery in the summer so to be honest, it was just good to get back on the pitch," said Evans. "But I felt my ankle after about five minutes.

"It was the same one I had surgery on in the summer but I got a heavier strap put on it and I was able to carry on for the second half.

"I was disappointed I felt pain so quickly in the game but if I'm being honest, I always expected I would feel a little pain - just not that early. After a couple of painkillers it did feel a bit better and if anything I felt stronger as the game went on, but like I say, I had a heavier strapping on then."